"With the various travel restrictions throughout New England, I’ve been looking for places to unwind and experience nature that are close to home. Enter Cape Ann, the locals-only alternative to Cape Cod. Sure, its beaches aren’t as sweeping and maybe there’s a bit more suburban sprawl here, but it’s close enough to most of the Boston suburbs to make a day trip or even a half-day trip within reach. Despite the proximity to the city, it's easy to find unspoiled stretches of coastline. Its constituent towns of Manchester-by-the-Sea, Gloucester, Essex, and Rockport each have walkable historic downtowns where you can find the quintessential New England pit stops, including clam shacks and adorable owner-operated inns should you opt to spend the night. Some of my favorite stops? Rockport's Blume, for a single-origin cold brew, Tuck’s Candy Factory for some saltwater taffy, and Feather and Wedge for the fish stew and lobster rolls."